By Lanier Laney
A delegation from the renowned Charleston Horticultural Society, including Co-founder Karl B. Smith along with Committee Chairs Susan Epstein and Mary Miller, toured 15 notable Beaufort Gardens this past week and were very impressed with the gardening skills they saw.
“My admiration of and attraction to the city has grown immeasurably because of this visit,” said Karl Smith.
“What a fabulous day we had in Beaufort,” said Plantasia and Tours Director Susan Epstein. “Every stop we made was a gem!” said Andre Michaux Committee Chair Mary Miller.
Below is a list of gardens they visited, including the wonderful gardens at Dean Hall Plantation where Gay Fowler has done a truly amazing job with the design of her old rose, formal gardens, and outbuildings.
Woody and Lynne Collin’s magical sustainable organic farm in Seabrook was also a favorite on the trip. Woody is the founder of Friends of Gardens Corner, the new group that is working toward putting a historical marker up to honor Dr. Alexander Garden who planted the first gardenia plant in America in Sheldon at Gardens Corner. The gardenia plant was named after Dr. Garden by noted Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus.
Lunch was at the lovely Bay Street house and garden of Peggy Reynolds.
The Charleston Horticultural Society (CHS) is a nonprofit organization with membership open to all. The organization has
grown to more than 1,300 individual and business members interested in learning about all aspects of horticulture through lectures, a newsletter, educational workshops and special tours.
Upcoming events include the Gateway Walk — Places for the Spirit on Wednesday, July 18, from 9:15 a.m. to noon. Join CHS and explore one of Charleston’s best kept secrets. In 1930, the Garden Club of Charleston enlisted the help of Loutrel Briggs to design a series of walkways through the graveyards and public spaces connecting Archdale Street to Philadelphia Alley that became the Gateway Walk. Local architectural historian Karen Prewitt will lead the journey through history, architecture and social customs.
For information or to join, call 843-579-9922 or go online to www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.
Featured Beaufort Gardens:
• 711 Prince St., Sam & Heather Vale, Nancy Law.
• 803 Prince St., Mike Rainey.
• 511 Prince St., Robert Smalls House, Bonnie and John McCardell.
• 503 Washington St., Lisa and Jeff Sanderson.
• 501 King Street, Diane and Conway Ivy.
• 500 Port Republic Street, Marsha Williams and Scott Sonoc.
• 601 Bay St., Gwen & Scott Myers.
• 2212 Bay St., Peggy and Wayne Reynolds.
• Dean Hall Plantation, Seabrook, home of Gay and Frank Fowler.
• Lynn and Woody Collins, Seabrook
Plus many other beautiful gardens and yards were appreciated from the
street by the group.
